X-Ray Technician Schools

As the initial step toward a rewarding career in medical radiologic technology, it is essential that one chooses an x-ray technician school that offers an associate degree or a baccalaureate degree program. To have a competitive edge in this field, it is highly recommended that students enroll in x-ray technician programs that are accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology or JRCERT, the only organization recognized by the United States Department of Education that accredits x-ray technician programs. X-ray technician certifications and degree programs are offered by numerous junior and community colleges, vocational and technical schools, hospitals, medical schools, universities, and the U.S. Armed Forces.

Most accredited schools that offer x-ray technician programs require a high school diploma, or its equivalent, before a prospective technician can enroll. Completing courses in algebra, medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, radiologic technology survey, and computers and information technology are usually prerequisites of these programs.

An x-ray technology certification program is usually offered for a year to experienced and registered radiographers or health care workers, like registered nurses, who want to pursue a career in a specific area of radiologic technology, such as neuroradiology and cardiac and vascular interventional radiology. The curriculum, in general, consists of advanced lecture courses and clinical rotations in different health care facilities, where students can improve their technical skills.

A two-year associate program in radiologic technology includes lecture classes, laboratory sessions, and clinical rotations in facilities that specialize in radiologic technology. The curriculum trains students to gain and acquire sufficient knowledge of the different radiographic principles and procedures and radiologic safety. Technical skills in radiograph evaluation and image production are developed and improved.

Once the student completes an associate degree in radiologic technology, it makes them eligible for a baccalaureate degree where advanced courses are taught in lectures, laboratory classes, and clinical seminars. Some of the courses included are bone densitometry, cardiac and vascular interventional technology, and quality management, in addition to more complex classes in mammography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging. A number of x-ray technician schools have started offering baccalaureate degrees, because of the increasing responsibilities of radiographers.

These x-ray technician programs prepare students to become competent radiographers, ensuring that the best patient care is maintained at all times. Completing the requirements of these programs opens many opportunities for professional growth and career advancement.